Most beings in the galaxy belonged to one of two sexes, or genders—namely male or female—which determined sexual and physiological traits. However, more than four genders existed throughout the galaxy.[1] Neutrois was a term used within the Galactic Empire to describe individuals of a gender other than male or female.[2] In Galactic Basic, the neutral pronouns "zhe" and "they" were used by individuals including Eleodie Maracavanya and Taka Jamoreesa to denote such a gender.[3][4] Gender neutral pronouns also existed in other languages, including Shyriiwook.[5]

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Many sentient and non-sentient species had male and female sexes, with many biological and childbearing similarities between the two. Humans and other humanoid lifeforms generally reproduced by the coupling of a male and female, from which the female would give birth to male or female children. A female could have multiple children over her lifetime and some were capable of giving birth to several at once. Complications during pregnancy could be disastrous for a female, resulting in permanent disability or death. The children inherited the genetic traits of both their parents, and could also inherit Force-sensitivity.[6]

In modern, developed societies, nanny droids or other supervisors could care for children if their parents were unable to spend enough time with them.[7][8]

Not all species exhibited typical mammalian breeding and childbearing patterns. Some species, such as the Neimoidians, were born as grubs and forced to compete over a limited food supply.[9] Others hatched from eggs, such as the Geonosians, who all came from a single hive queen.[10]

While most individuals exhibited male-to-female attraction, a significant minority of the galactic population exhibited male-to-male, female-to-female, or male-to-male/female attraction. Some planets, such as Chandrila, were home to unprejudiced cultures, allowing such individuals to make public displays of affection free from the threat of physical violence. However, some still felt awkward and embarrassed when openly conveying such affection.[11]

Some individuals viewed sexual encounters as nonbinding, participating in them recreationally. However, many throughout the galaxy considered such lifestyles unusual, and looked down upon those who practiced them.[source?] Despite this, several such individuals existed within high society, such as MoffDelian Mors.[12]

Owing to geopolitical or economic hardship, many male and female members of a variety of species hired themselves as prostitutes or "mistresses" to a variety of clientele. Largely looked down upon, such activities often occurred in areas of ill repute, and could result in exploitation, rape, and slavery. Many who frequented such venues were gamblers, spacers, or spice addicts who lacked stable relationships, or were rich and otherwise influential persons, normally in positions of considerable political power.[15][11] The Twi'lek species was largely regarded as one of the most beautiful species in the galaxy, resulting in numerous slavers capturing females from the Twi'lek homeworld of Ryloth.[12]

Droids, being machines, lacked a biological sex. However, in order to appear more lifelike, many droids were programmed with a "masculine" or "feminine" personality. Thus, even mechanical beings were designated either he or she.[16]